Week 2 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

Week two of college football is here. We are 12-3 on picks for the year. Let’s see what action the Mountain West has for us this week.

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Week 2 2023 Mountain West Football: Best Bets

A look at the Mountain West betting odds for Week 2

Contact/Follow @J0shFr3d & @MWCwire

What are the oddsmakers saying about these match ups?

Late in the week we will look at odds and recent lines and make our best picks and bets. Odds courtesy of Vegas Insider.

We went 10-2 in week one and are 12-3 on the year. A fantastic week one; let’s see if we can do it again in week two.

UNLV @ #2 Michigan (-37.5, O/U 56.5)

UNLV becomes the cupcake. Michigan’s defense held East Carolina to 3 points. UNLV has one of the top quarterbacks and one of the top receivers in the Mountain West but only threw for 126 yards against Bryant. They won’t be rushing for 300 yards against Michigan.

Pick: Under

Cal Poly @ San JOSe State (No Line)

San Jose State looks to get back on the horse against Cal Poly. It won’t be a cake walk for the Spartans. Cal Poly has Washington transfer Sam Huard under center and they picked apart San Diego last week. The Spartans win, but it will be a close one.

Pick: San Jose State

The — 𝓣𝓪𝓴𝓮 ‘𝓔𝓶 𝓣𝓸 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓮𝓮𝓹 𝓔𝓷𝓭 𝓞𝓯 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓟𝓸𝓸𝓵 — Cut pic.twitter.com/Rda646Gq1k

— Wyoming Cowboy Football (@wyo_football) September 7, 2023

Portland State @ Wyoming (No Line)

Well, where has this Wyoming team been? The offense still has some questions, but the defense is going to keep them in a bunch of games this season. The Cowboys get a breather game before heading to Austin to face the Longhorns.

Pick: Wyoming

UCF @ Boise STate (+3.5, O/U 58.5)

Boise State doesn’t get a lot of time to get over their loss to Washington. As they welcome UCF to the Blue Turf this week. The Knights are coming off a 700 yard slaughter of Kent State. The line could be too small, but the over feels the safer play.

Pick: Over

Idaho @ Nevada (No LINE)

Nevada gets an FCS game where we could see what changes have been made to the Wolf Pack. Idaho will present a challenge as the Vandals have been a tough out the past few years. Nevada wins, but it’s going to be another close one in the Mountain West.

Pick: Nevada

The Aztecs are 2⃣-0⃣!

See you Saturday @SnapdragonStdm and remember to be in your seats early for the pregame flyover!

🎟️: https://t.co/9rGgdLKrXg pic.twitter.com/GyVxGHcBev

— San Diego State Football (@AztecFB) September 6, 2023

UCLA @ San DieGO State (+13.5, O/U 48.5)

The defensive battle of the week. We could see San Diego State finally exposed this week, but maybe the past two weeks have been a wake up call for teh Aztecs. The Bruins meanwhile are looking for a chance to go out on top and make their mark one last time in the Pac-12

Pick: Under

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New Mexico vs. Tennessee Tech: Preview, How To Livestream, Odds

The Lobos host the Eagles in a key home opener. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

New Mexico vs. Tennessee Tech: Preview, How To Livestream, Odds

Lobos looking for its first win

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

New Mexico has its home opener

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Week 2: Tennessee Tech at New Mexico

Where: University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico

When: 6:00 P.M. MT

TV: Mountain West Network (Mountain West app on iOS and Google Play, and on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Android TV devices)

Broadcast: Jeff Siembieda and George Carter

Radio: KKOB (77AM/96.3 FM

Game Notes: Tennessee Tech | New Mexico

Odds: No Line

UNM will face the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles in Albuquerque on Saturday at University Stadium in the Land of Enchantment.

The Lobos enter this game at 0-1 with a 52-10 loss to 23rd-ranked Texas A&M Aggies in front of a nationally televised audience at College Station on ESPN.

The Eagles are coming off a loss to Furman 45-10 last week in a game where they turned the ball over six times to an excellent Furman Defense.

Tennessee Tech had over 212 passing yards and just 79 rushing yards on offense, but their defense gave up 190 passing yards and 194 rushing yards to the Furman Paladins.

How To Watch Week 2 Of Mountain West Football

The Golden Eagles are 2-37 all-time in FBS matchups dating back to the 1978 Division I split and are 0-3 against members of the Mountain West Conference all-time, which includes then-member TCU in 2010.

Look for offensive coordinator Bryant Vincent to run the ball right at the Golden Eagles with an offensive line that averages over 300lb a position.

The Lobos were reasonably effective in spots against the Aggies from Texas A&M, and the Eagles, being an FCS opponent, will have more than they can handle with a balanced offense.

New Mexico runs the version of the zone read, and the offensive line coached by Cam Blankenship held their own last week despite two potential NFL tackles for the Aggies.

Look for the Lobos to ground and pound in this game and go deep in the running back room, where they have a plethora of talent itching to touch the ball.

Back up running back Dorian Lewis and Appalachian State Quarterback transfer DC Tapscott came late in the game.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (AKA “Bill), who scored the Lobos’s lone touchdown, led the Lobos’s offense on the rushing side.

Bill finished with 11 carries and 50 yards for 4.5 yards per carry.

Lewis carried the ball five times for 19 yards for an impressive 3.8 yards, so watch for a game like this matchup where the Lobos go deeper into the lineup.

Week 1 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

Players To Watch:

Quarterback 6-2 Ethan Roberts leads the offense for the Golden Eagles, making his first career start, completed 25 of his 38 passes for 204 yards, throwing a touchdown pass to Willie Miller in the second quarter.

Roberts engineered several great drives, including an 11-play, 75-yard series for the touchdown and a 13-play, 54-yard narrative with Hayden Olsen knocking through a 38-yard field goal.

For the Lobos UAB transfer, Dylan Hopkins was very good in his first start for UNM, going 16-for-25 with 115 yards.

Hopkins showed great poise in the pocket for the Lobos last week against a very talented SEC 23rd-ranked opponent.

Lobo receiver Jeremiah Hixon played just three quarters and had six catches for 42 yards, and DJ Washington was also solid with four catches for 42 yards.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt led the rushing attack with 50 yards on 11 carries and showed how physically a runner he is against the Aggies; he is the real deal when you watch him on film.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Lobos’ Tavian Combs showed he is back from his injury last year with 11 tackles, seven solos, and four assists and blocked a field goal before the end of the first half.

He has impressive closing speed and reads what the opposing offense tries to do in the second super-fast.

Another Lobo that stands out and shows why this writer picked him first-team all-Mountain West Conference is Donte Martin.

Martin is the Lobos lockdown corner with some pass breakups against the wide receivers from Texas A&M, who will play on Sundays.

Martin finished the game with eight solo tackles, one forced fumble, and two passes defended.

On Saturday, he graded a team-best 73.7 in 35 coverage snaps with two pass breakups.

Despite giving up 52 points, the Lobo defense did a good job, not so much on secondary (gave 277 total pass yards) up big plays but their run-stop defense, limiting the Aggies to 124 yards.

The Lobos are 8-0 In its last eight games against FCS opponents, Saturday’s game is its first against a team from the Volunteer State since a 35-21 loss to Tennessee in September 1986.

Predict the Lobos running back will overwhelm the Golden Eagles, and the run will set up the pass led by Dylan Hopkins.

New Mexico has some big-time receivers that will score on deep routes, and Coach Vincent will spread the ball the offensive wealth as the Lobos turn the corner, and it will show Saturday.

Combing that with a swarming 3-3-5 with more size up front, look for the Lobos to get some sacks and turnovers in this game.

The Lobos have too much on the line, with its arch-rival from down south, the New Mexico State Aggies, coming into Albuquerque the following week.

So that makes this a statement game. The Lobos under Danny Gonzales are the real deal this year.

Prediction

UNM Lobos 35 Tennessee Tech 10

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UAlbany vs. Hawaii: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Warriors hope to claim their first win of 2023 against the well-traveled Great Danes. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

UAlbany vs. Hawaii: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Warriors hope to claim their first win of 2023 against the well-traveled Great Danes. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS and @MWCwire

Late-night business on the islands.

WEEK 2: UAlbany Great Danes (1-1) vs. Hawaii Warriors (0-2)

WHEN: Saturday, September 9 — 6:00 PM HT/9:00 PM PT

WHERE: T.C. Ching Athletics Complex; Honolulu, HI

WEATHER: Cloudy and breezy, low of 73 degrees

TV: Spectrum Pay-Per-View (Hawaii only)

STREAMING: For college football fans on the mainland, the game can only be streamed using the Team1Sports application. That is available for download on Android and Apple devices and over-the-top platforms like Roku and Amazon Fire. Please note that the game will not be available on desktops or laptops.

RADIO: The UAlbany broadcast can be found on 104.5 The Team (WTMM) in Mechanicsville. The Hawaii broadcast can be found and streamed on ESPN Honolulu or the Sideline Hawaii app, which is available on Google and Apple).

SERIES RECORD: This is the first meeting between UAlbany and Hawaii.

LAST GAME: UAlbany lost on the road against Marshall, 21-17, while Hawaii lost at home to Stanford, 37-24.

WEBSITES: UAlbanySports.com, the official UAlbany athletics website | HawaiiAthletics.com, the official Hawaii athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): UAlbany | Hawaii

ODDS: N/A

SP+ PROJECTION: Hawaii by 3.0

FEI PROJECTION: N/A

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: N/A

Can it be Saturday already?

All the info you need for our matchup with UAlbany ⬇️

🔗 https://t.co/YDlAiRrL8B pic.twitter.com/BtB9R4KdOx

— Hawaii Football (@HawaiiFootball) September 5, 2023

The Hawaii Warriors haven’t had the start to 2023 that they hoped, but they can get things on track this Saturday night against the UAlbany Great Danes.

UAlbany will make one of the longest road trips in recent memory to play this game in Hawaii — 4,940 miles, to be exact — and they’ll do so without head coach Greg Gattuso, who is out of commission with an illness. After they threw a scare into Marshall last week, however, the Warriors won’t want to take their FCS opponent for granted.

Three Keys to a Hawaii Victory

1. Get Tylan Hines going.

While quarterback Brayden Schager has had a fine start to 2023, the “run” in Hawaii’s run-and-shoot offense hasn’t yet manifested. Hines has only earned 20 yards on 14 carries through the team’s first two games, though there’s reason to believe those fortunes could change against the Great Danes.

Rasheen Ali keyed Marshall’s second-half rally against UAlbany in Week 1 with four different runs of ten-plus yards, a performance of which Hines himself is capable.

2. Keep Anton Juncaj in check.

After earning an all-conference honorable mention in the preseason, Juncaj went out in UAlbany’s season opener against Fordham and played like that was a massive oversight, collecting four sacks in a season-opening win. While Schager has had a hot hand in the young season, head coach Timmy Chang has already started two different players, Ka’ena DeCambra and Luke Felix-Fualalo, at right tackle and his quarterback has already taken nine sacks. That could pose a problem if the Warriors aren’t prepared to contain a potential different maker playing off the edge.

3. Don’t let Reese Poffenbarger get hot.

Last year’s CAA Rookie of the Year and Jerry Rice Award runner-up has had a decent start to his sophomore campaign, completing 57.7% of his throws for 447 yards and five touchdowns with zero interceptions. He also had a 54-yard touchdown run against Marshall last Saturday, but he’s absorbed a fair bit of punishment in two games: Per PFF, he’s faced 24 total pressures and taken eight sacks.

Getting Cam Stone back on the field after he gave himself a clean bill of health can only help since he’s allowed just one reception in seven targets thus far, but it will take a group effort to keep the Great Danes from hanging around longer than is necessary. One encouraging note: Though they didn’t have any sacks last week against Hawaii, PFF also credited the Warriors with 16 quarterback hurries.

Prediction

Albany has a fair bit of talent on its hands, but I doubt they’ll be able to contain Hawaii’s passing game any more than Vanderbilt or Stanford did. Even if Schager continues to withstand more pressure than is comfortable, the Warriors should be in a position to outlast the Great Danes in a shootout if nothing else.

Hawaii 42, UAlbany 17

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Week 2 Mountain West Football Odds, Picks, Predictions

Week 2 Mountain West Football Odds, Picks, Predictions Who is going to win this week? Contact/Follow @MWCwire Pick time!! Week 2 of Mountain West football is here and we have 11 games and our staff does their best to make picks for these games. …

Week 2 Mountain West Football Odds, Picks, Predictions

Who is going to win this week?

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

Pick time!!

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Week 2 of Mountain West football is here and we have 11 games and our staff does their best to make picks for these games.

These odds were taken from Sept. 6, so keep that in mind if they changed since then.

UNLV at Michigan (-36.5), 3:30 p.m. ET, TV: CBS or stream with a free trial with FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Michigan | ATS: UNLV

Brandon: SU: Michigan | ATS: Michigan

Sean: : SU: Michigan | ATS: UNLV

Roger:SU: Michigan | ATS: Michigan

Ted: SU: Michigan | ATS: Michigan

Josh F: SU: Michigan | ATS: Michigan

Michael: SU: Michigan | ATS: UNLV

Phil: SU: Michigan | ATS: Michigan

LaMarr: SU: Michigan | ATS: UNLV

Erik: SU: Michigan | ATS: Michigan

Andrew: SU: Michigan | ATS: UNLV

TJ: SU: Michigan | ATS: UNLV

Cal Poly at San Jose State (NL), 4 p.m. ET, TV: NBC Sports Bay Area or Mountain West Network

Cal Poly at San Jose State (NL)

Jeremy: San Jose State

Brandon: San Jose State

Sean: San Jose State

Roger: San Jose State

Ted: Cal Poly

Josh F: San Jose State

Michael: San Jose State

LaMarr: San Jose State

Phil: San Jose State

Erik: San Jose State

Andrew: San Jose State

TJ: San Jose State

Portland State at Wyoming (NL), 4 p.m. ET, TV: Mountain West Network

Jeremy: Wyoming

Brandon: Wyoming

Sean: Wyoming

Roger: Wyoming

Ted: Wyoming

Josh F: Wyoming

Michael: Wyoming

LaMarr: Wyoming

Phil: Wyoming

Erik:Wyoming

Andrew: Wyoming

TJ: Wyoming

UCF at Boise State (+3.5), 7 p.m. ET, FS1 or stream with a free trial with FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: UCF | ATS: UCF

Brandon: SU: Boise State | ATS Boise State

Sean: SU: UCF | ATS: UCF

Roger: SU: Boise State | ATS Boise State

Ted: SU: Boise State | ATS Boise State (ugh)

Josh F: SU: Boise State | ATS Boise State

Michael: SU: UCF | ATS: UCF

LaMarr: SU: UCF | ATS: UCF

Phil: SU: Boise State | ATS Boise State

Erik: Boise State | ATS Boise State

Andrew: SU: UCF | ATS: UCF

TJ: SU: Boise State | ATS: UCF

Idaho at Nevada (NL), 7 p.m. ET, TV: Mountain West Network

Jeremy: Nevada

Brandon: Nevada

Sean: Nevada

Roger: Nevada

Ted: Nevada

Josh F: Idaho

Michael: Nevada

LaMarr: Nevada

Phil: Nevada

Erik: Idaho

Andrew: Idaho

TJ: Nevada

UCLA at San Diego State (+14.5), 7:30 p.m. ET, TV: CBS or stream with a free trial with FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: UCLA | ATS:

Brandon: SU: UCLA | ATS: UCLA

Sean: SU: UCLA | ATS: UCLA

Ted: SU: San Diego State | ATS: San Diego State

Roger: SU: San Diego State | ATS: San Diego State

Josh F: SU: UCLA | ATS: UCLA

Michael: SU: UCLA | ATS: San Diego State

LaMarr: SU: UCLA | ATS: San Diego State

Phil: SU: UCLA | ATS: UCLA

Erik: SU: UCLA | ATS: UCLA

Andrew: SU: UCLA | ATS: UCLA

TJ: SU: UCLA | ATS: San Diego State

Sam Houston State vs. Air Force (@ Houston) -13.5, 8 p.m. ET, TV: CBS Sports Network or stream with a free trial with FuboTV

Jeremy: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Brandon: SU: Air Force | ATS Air Force

Sean: : SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Ted: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Roger : SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Josh F : SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Michael: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

LaMarr: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Phil: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Erik: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Andrew: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

TJ: SU: Air Force | ATS: Air Force

Week 1 Mountain West Football Power Rankings

Tennessee Tech at New Mexico (NL), 8 p.m. ET, TV: Mountain West Network

Jeremy: New Mexico

Brandon: New Mexico

Sean: New Mexico

Roger: New Mexico

Ted: Tennessee Tech

Josh F: New Mexico

Michael: New Mexico

LaMarr: New Mexico

Phil: New Mexico

Erik: Tennessee Tech

Andrew: New Mexico

TJ: New Mexico

Idaho State at Utah State (NL), 8 p.m. ET, TV: KJZZ-14 or Mountain West Network

Jeremy: Utah State

Brandon: Utah State

Sean: Utah State

Ted: Idaho State

Roger: Utah State

Josh F: Idaho State

Michael: Utah State

LaMarr: Utah State

Phil: Utah State

Erik: Idaho State

Andrew: Utah State

TJ: Utah State

How To Watch Week 2 Of Mountain West Football

Eastern Washington at Fresno State (NL), 9 p.m. ET: TV: UniMas or Mountain West Network

Jeremy: Fresno State

Brandon: Fresno State

Sean: Fresno State

Ted: Fresno State

Roger: Fresno State

Josh F: Fresno State

Michael: Fresno State

LaMarr: Fresno State

Phil: Fresno State

Erik: Fresno State

Andrew: Fresno State

TJ: Fresno State

UAlbany at Hawaii (NL), 12 a.m. ET, Team 1 Sports app only (iOS) (Android)

Jeremy: Hawaii

Brandon: Hawaii

Roger: Hawaii

Sean: Hawai’i

Te’d: Hawai’i

Josh F: Hawai’i

Michael: Hawaii

LaMarr: Hawaii

Phil: Hawai’i

Erik: Hawai’i

Andrew: Hawaii

TJ: Hawaii

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Idaho State vs. Utah State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Aggies look to bounce back at home from a tough opening loss in the season opener. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Idaho State vs. Utah State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Aggies look to bounce back at home from a tough opening loss in the season opener. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Contact/Follow @MattK_FS and @MWCwire

Home cooking at Maverik.

WEEK 2: Idaho State Bengals (0-1) vs. Utah State Aggies (0-1)

WHEN: Saturday, September 9 — 6:00 PM MT/5:00 PM PT

WHERE: Maverik Stadium; Logan, UT

WEATHER: Sunny, high of 83 degrees

TV: KJZZ

STREAMING: Mountain West Network

RADIO: The Idaho State broadcast can be found on 91.1 FM (KISU) in Pocatello, Blackfoot, and American Falls, as well as 91.3 FM in Idaho Falls and 88.1 FM in Rexburg. The Utah State broadcast can be found on the affiliates of the Aggie Radio Network, including flagship 1280 The Zone (KNZS) in Salt Lake City.

SERIES RECORD: Utah State leads the overall series, 18-2. In the last meeting on September 7, 2017, the Aggies defeated the Bengals, 51-13, in Logan.

LAST GAME: Idaho State lost on the road to San Diego State, 36-28, while Utah State lost on the road against Iowa, 24-14.

WEBSITES: ISUBengals.com, the official Idaho State athletics website | UtahStateAggies.com, the official Utah State athletics website

GAME NOTES (PDF): Idaho State | Utah State

ODDS: N/A

SP+ PROJECTION: Utah State by 23.8

FEI PROJECTION: N/A

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: N/A

First game in the Mav!
I’m going to give y’all everything I got😤 https://t.co/WVFwTksmIA

— Anthony “BuckO” Switzer (@Switzer1k) September 8, 2023

After a tough battle in Iowa City to open the 2023 season, the Utah State Aggies begin their home slate against the Idaho State Bengals on Saturday.

The Bengals were erratic but pesky in their first contest of the year against San Diego State, which is something the Aggies surely won’t take lightly after an epic collapse against another FCS opponent, Weber State, just last year. Can Utah State, already battle tested, keep the momentum they began to gain in Week 1?

Three Keys to a Utah State Victory

1. Eliminate big plays on defense.

Unsurprisingly, Brian Ferentz’s offense didn’t exactly light Utah State up in Week 1 but the Aggies were hit with a number of big plays: Iowa had just 284 yards of total offense, but eight of 69 plays (11.6%) accounted for 177 of those yards (62.3%).

Cleaning that up could go a long way toward avoiding unwanted headaches against Idaho State, who weren’t shy about throwing the football with two different quarterbacks, Jordan Cooke and Hunter Hays, and managed six chunk plays totaling 155 of the team’s 343 yards (45.2%) despite a combined completion rate under 50%.

2. Get the pass rush in order.

Another element that will help is more disruptive play from a defensive line that was, also unsurprisingly, quiet against the Hawkeyes. According to Pro Football Focus, Utah State had just three quarterback hurries and hits each in 34 total dropbacks.

It remains to be seen whether Hale Motu’apuaka will be ready to go this week, but it’s clear that the Aggies coaching staff is placing a lot of trust in younger contributors like Paul Fitzgerald, Enoka Migao, Bo Maile, and Seni Tuiaki, all of whom played at least 33 snaps in Week 1. Given that their Mountain West compatriots, San Diego State, managed 20 hurries against these same Bengals, it’s okay to expect a lot.

3. Cut down on penalties.

Yellow flags were a significant problem for Utah State last season and that didn’t appear to change much in the opening loss to Iowa. Four false starts and three personal fouls didn’t help matters against the Hawkeyes, though it remains to be seen whether playing at home instead on the road will matter: In 2022, the Aggies actually averaged more penalties per game at Maverik Stadium than on the road, 9.3 to 7.7.

Prediction

Last week’s Idaho State game wasn’t as close as the final score made it seem — San Diego State finished the week with a 97.7% post-game win expectancy — and this one shouldn’t be, either.

Utah State 38, Idaho State 14

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Idaho vs Nevada: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Wolf Pack hope to avoid another FCS upset when they host the Vandals. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Idaho vs Nevada: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

Nevada returns to action at home against Idaho on Saturday.

Contact/Follow @BrandonGBlake & @MWCwire

Nevada hosts Idaho As Wolf Pack Look To Snap 11-Game losing Streak

WEEK 2: Nevada Wolf Pack (0-1) vs Idaho Vandals (1-0)

WHEN: Saturday, September 9th-4:00PM PT/5:00PM MT

TV: The game will be broadcast on Nevada Sports Net. Here is a link to watch the game on the NSN website.

STREAMING: Nevada Sports Net and Mountain West Network

RADIO: Nevada is on 105.7 KOZZ in Reno and Idaho is on KZFN 106.1 in Moscow.

SERIES RECORD: Nevada leads all time series 20-9. Last meeting was back in 2011 where Nevada won 56-3.

WEBSITES: NevadaWolfPack.com, the official Nevada athletics website | GoVandals.com, the official Idaho athletics website.

ODDS: NL

SP+ PROJECTION: Idaho by 13.3

FEI PROJECTION: N/A

Nevada begins their 2023 home campaign on Saturday as they host the Idaho Vandals out of the Big Sky Conference.

Nevada is looking to snap a losing streak that currently sits at 11 games. That losing streak got extended last Saturday in Los Angeles as #6 USC demolished Nevada 66-14.

Nevada was completely outclassed by the Trojans but there were some bright spots. QBs Brendon Lewis and AJ Bianco performed well when they led the offense. Bianco did have a touchdown pass and Lewis looked decent running the Wolf Pack offense when he was the QB.

Nevada did get some big plays on offense (a pair of 70 yard pass receptions from Jamaal Bell and Spencer Curtis, respectively) and the Wolf Pack defense did force a turnover (a brief reprieve from USC’s offense hammering the Nevada defense). So despite USC clearly routing the Wolf Pack, it was not all bad for Nevada last Saturday.

The Wolf Pack are facing an Idaho team that is coming off an impressive 42-17 victory over Lamar last week. On offense, the Vandals are led by QB Gevani McCoy who threw for 149 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Lamar.

McCoy has some talented options to get the ball to in Hayden Hatten and Anthony Woods. Hatten caught those two touchdowns from McCoy last week against Lamar. In total, Hatten caught six passes for 86 yards for Idaho in the victory last week. Woods ran for 138 yards on 13 carries for two touchdowns .

Can the Wolf Pack corral the Idaho offense and end this long losing streak?

Here are my keys and a prediction for Nevada-Idaho.

Improved offensive line play from Nevada

The Wolf Pack offensive line was a problem last year and has been a problem for more than a decade. In the season opener against USC, the Wolf Pack ranged from iffy to slightly ok on pass protection and run blocking was not any better.

The run blocking is something that Nevada needs to get better at against Idaho. Against USC, the Wolf Pack ran the ball 38 times for 49 yards. Keep in mind the week before, the Trojan defense gave up 198 rushing yards to San Jose State. Nevada’s top three running backs ran the ball 26 times for 59 yards. (an average of 2.3 yards per carry)…that’s no good.

Now San Jose State’s offense is much better than Nevada’s offense at this point in time. But Nevada under Ken Wilson wants to be good at running the ball. With the passing game showing improvement, the running game must also improve as well and it must start with the offensive line improving its play.

Containing QB Gevani McCoy

No one will mistake Idaho QB Gevani McCoy with USC QB Caleb Williams but McCoy is pretty dang good himself.

McCoy, who won the Jerry Rice Award for best FCS Freshman, had an impressive first season in 2022. And given his impressive numbers last week against Lamar in the season opener, McCoy is picking up where he left off last season.

McCoy also has talented playmakers in WR Hayden Hatten and RB Anthony Woods to give the ball to on offense. With the trio of McCoy, Hatten and Woods, the Idaho offense is a very talented unit.

Nevada will need to get better on defense quickly this week and try to corral McCoy and this offense. Idaho’s offense has the playmakers to score and the Wolf Pack defense needs to step up and stop the Vandal offense if Nevada wants to win on Saturday.

Get the ball to Jamaal Bell

The Wolf Pack offense is light on playmakers and the Nevada offense needs to get the ball to one of its main playmaker: WR Jamaal Bell.

Last week against USC, Bell caught eight passess for 121 yards and scored a touchdown on a 77 TD pass. Bell is a talented player with explosive speed that the Wolf Pack should find a way to give him the ball.

On either pass plays, screen plays or end around plays, Bell needs to have the ball in his hand for Nevada to win on Saturday. Players like Sean Dollars and Spencer Curtis should get touches as well but it is key for Bell to get the ball early and often.

Prediction

Nevada 24 Idaho 21

I know it is Week 2 and it is too early to call this game a “must win game” but it is a must win game for Nevada.

In the midst of an 11 game losing streak and the rest of their non-conference schedule looking more difficult, the Wolf Pack needs to win this game against Idaho. Lose this game, and the rest of the season will be looking bleak for Nevada and the rebuild will take a wrong turn.

Nevada’ s defense needs to bounce back quickly against an Idaho offense that has talent at the skill positions and can score. Can the Wolf Pack defense bounce back this week? I say they will.

I see the Nevada defense playing better this week and containing the Vandal offense. And the offense will get the ball to their best playmakers like Jamaal Bell and score enough to win a close one on Saturday.

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Cal Poly at San Jose State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

The Spartans look to get in the win column against the seemingly revitalized Mustangs. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

Cal Poly at San Jose State: Keys to a Spartans Win, How to Watch, Odds, Prediction

Spartans still looking for first win of season

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WEEK 2: Cal Poly Mustangs at San Jose State Spartans

WHERE: CEFCU Stadium, San Jose, California

WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 2023 – 4:00pm EST (1:00pm PST)

TV: NBC Sports Bay Area

STREAMING: Mountain West Network (www.themw.com/watch). Fans can also sign up to receive a free one-week trial of Fubo, by following this link.

RADIO: ESPN 1100AM & 100.9 FM

SERIES RECORD: This will be the second meeting between Cal Poly and San Jose State. The previous meeting was in 2017, where the Spartans won 34-13. (Courtesy of Phil Steele’s 2023 College Football Preview.)

WEBSITES: sjsuspartans.com is the San Jose State University Athletics official website | gopoly.com is the official Cal Poly Athletics website.

GAME NOTES (PDF): Cal Poly | San Jose State

ODDS: N/A

SP+ PROJECTION: San Jose State by 15.3

PARKER FLEMING PROJECTION: N/A

What a difference a week can make.

The Spartans started their 2023 campaign with a tough non-conference schedule, versus two ranked teams, losing to sixth-ranked USC and number 18 Oregon State to start the season. And after Cal Poly a trip to Group of Five standout Toledo will be waiting. The good news from here is the Spartans schedule will get easier, but remains challenging, nonetheless.

The 0-2 Spartans now will host the Cal Poly Mustangs still looking for their first win of the season. Before the Spartans can claim this victory, San Jose State cannot look past the Mustangs this Saturday in San Jose. For a closer look at how San Jose State can get the victory, here are three keys for the Spartans’ game plan:

Keep Cordeiro Mobile

Senior Chevan Cordeiro is arguably as good outside the pocket as he is in it. The second-team All-Mountain West quarterback has shown he can play well against tough opposition, passing for four touchdowns without an interception thus far. The Spartans will need to continue to allow Cordeiro to operate in and out of the pocket, and Cordeiro will need to work within what the Mustangs will give him if the Spartans are to get their first win of the season.

Defensive Improvements

The Spartans were in over their heads against USC and Oregon State but giving up 98 points in two games has to improve if San Jose State is to have a chance to win this Saturday. It is a unit rebuilding after losing a number of starters, but San Jose State will need to rely on every player to keep the score from getting out of hand. If they can stop the Mustangs, or at least get a few more punts out of the Cal Poly offense than they did their previous opponents, that should help a “bend but don’t break” mentality to improve things on Saturday.

Control Time of Possession

It might be somewhat surprising to see that The Spartans were nearly even in time of possession versus Oregon State and controlled the clock in the season opener against USC. Against Cal Poly, the Spartans’ offense would be well advised to control the clock even further, to avoid a defense getting gassed on the field and keep the San Jose offense in control on its home field.

Prediction

After starting the season with a non-conference schedule few would look forward to, the Spartans now face a non-conference team that went 2-9 last season and have not posted a winning record since 2016 (as noted in Phil Steele’s 2023 College Football Preview). Expect San Jose State to look better and put-up points, as Cordeiro and company should be able to operate much more effectively at home on offense and a defense that should be able step up to the challenge.

San Jose State 34, Cal Poly 24

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PODCAST: Week 2 Mountain West Football Preview

PODCAST: Week 2 Mountain West Football Preview Lots of FCS games this week Contact/Follow @MWCwire Get ready for another week Jeremy and Matt are back together and preview all 12 games of Week 2 of the Mountain West season. There are plenty of FCS …

PODCAST: Week 2 Mountain West Football Preview

Lots of FCS games this week

Contact/Follow @MWCwire

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Get ready for another week

Jeremy and Matt are back together and preview all 12 games of Week 2 of the Mountain West season. There are plenty of FCS games on the docket, teams looking to get their first game or be on track.

There are a few chances for a Power 5 victory as well.

You can find the Mountain West Wire podcast below or subscribe to the show via TuneIn, Spotify, iTunes, and more. Listen in, subscribe and rate it and let us know what you think!

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UCLA vs. San Diego State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Keys, Prediction

The Aztecs host UCLA in a big-time clash at Snapdragon Stadium. Here’s how to watch and what to watch for.

UCLA vs. San Diego State: Game Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Keys, Prediction

Can the Aztecs wage back-to-back victories against the Bruins?

Contact/Follow @tedmcgovern & @MWCwire

At their last meeting on September 7, 2019, the Aztecs dealt the Bruins their first ever series loss at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

WEEK 2: UCLA Bruins (1-0, 0-0 Pac-12) vs. SDSU Aztecs (2-0, 0-0 MW)

WHEN: Saturday, September 9th— 4:30 PM PST / 7:30 PM EST

WHERE: Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California (35,000)

TV: CBS

STREAMING: Get a free trial with FuboTV

RADIO: San Diego Sports 760

SERIES RECORD: Aztecs are 1-1-22 against the Bruins

LAST MATCHUP: September 7, 2019 – Aztecs won 23-14 for the first time ever in the all-time series.

WEBSITES: GoAztecs.com, the official San Diego State athletics website; UCLABruins.com, the official UCLA athletics website.

ODDS: UCLA -13

OVER/UNDER: 48.5

San Diego, CA- On Saturday afternoon September 9th, Chip Kelly and the UCLA Bruins (1-0) visit Snapdragon Stadium to seek victory against Brady Hoke’s Aztecs (2-0) following the program’s first-ever loss to SDSU in 2019. The Bruins want to show the loss was a fluke, while the Aztecs are eager to reinforce that SDSU has entered an era of Power Five performance.

The Aztecs might be eager to show fans they would have been strong Pac-12 replacements for the Bruins, who cast the deepest cut to the terminally doomed Pac-12. Together with USC; UCLA blindsided Commissioner George Kliavkoff, waiting until he was off-grid in Montana to announce the decision to exit the Conference of Champions for the B1G. Kliavkoff thereafter Munsoned every decision he faced, and the rest is history.

With the 2023 season under way, both teams have given fans a sense of what’s in store for this fall. The Aztecs, projected to finish fifth in the Mountain West in 2023, have shown that they have the ingredients for success. Meanwhile, the Bruins, projected to finish sixth in the Pac-12, are still deciding who their starting quarterback will be, while having to contend with a thin offensive line. So fixated on their upcoming match with the Utes: the Bruins might be looking past the Aztecs.

The Bruins are projected to win decisively, but the Aztecs have just enough talent to make the game interesting. UCLA enters this game with more on the line than San Diego State, and a loss could shake the Bruins’ foundation. An Aztecs win could reveal a SDSU sleeper season. It comes down to execution on both ends. The Bruins did give up 13 points to the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers, so nothing’s off the table on Saturday.

Let’s take a closer look at what it will take for the Aztecs to win.

Keys to a San Diego State Victory

1. PRESSURIZE UCLA’S SIGNAL CALLERS

UCLA has stellar quarterback options. True freshman quarterback Dante Moore was a five-star recruit and he did not disappoint in his debut last week (even if he didn’t start) with two touchdowns and one interception. Ethan Garbers instead opened up and did the opposite: with one touchdown and two interceptions. Collectively, they got the job done for UCLA.

Then there is quarterback Collin Schlee who is nursing an undisclosed left leg injury, who could appear in key formations. It’s believed Schlee would run if played in limited sets, if Kelly allows him to play.

Any of these three strong gridironers placed into high pressure situations will likely make errors leading to vital turnovers. Against the Chanticleers, the Bruins might not have been tested the way the Aztecs will. Collapsing the pocket will generate chaos and create turnover opportunities for the Aztecs.

2. STYMIE THE BRUINS’ STARs

J.Michael Sturdivant, the Bruins’ superstar wide receiver made mincemeat of the Chanticleers secondary. He and his fellow receivers might be in for a real challenge when they face secondary coverage by safety Cedarious Barfield, and cornerbacks Dez Malone and Noah Tumblin each of whom managed interceptions against the Bengals. If the Aztecs secondary can continue to execute clean pass breakups along with occasional pics, Bruins play callers will find it difficult to wage a successful air campaign.

Laiatu Latu, the Bruins’ furious edge rusher, is on a hardcore mission to lead the nation in quarterback sacks. He managed three against the Chanticleers, and he’ll be looking to terrorize Aztecs quarterback Jalen Mayden with intensity. If the Aztecs can manage to keep him in check and literally block him from achieving his goal, it could dismantle a key Bruins weapon.

3. RUN . . . THEN STOP THE RUN

Running Back University is loaded with strong tailbacks. Against the Bengals, SDSU rushed for 302 yards, thanks to Martin Blake, Jaylon Armstead and Kenan Christon, with the first two backs managing 58 yards, and the third tallying 40 yards. In addition, Mayden had a record-breaking performance, by registering 132 yards and two touchdowns after taking matters into his own hands. If the Aztecs register over 200 rush yards their odds of winning will go up considerably.

As for stopping the run, UCLA running backs T.J. Harden and Carson Steele averaged a combined 6.3 yards per carry against the Chanticleers in week one. If the Aztecs manage to limit Bruins rushing production to four yards per carry or less, it will contribute to an upset.

What Will Happen

The Bruins are expected to win decisively. They have their minds on the coming Utah game scheduled for week four. If Aztecs defense decisively disrupts the Bruins’ offense, and if they manage to wage a strong offensive campaign of their own, San Diego State can pull off the upset on Saturday.

The Aztecs will, in the end, pull off the upset again.

UCLA 35, San Diego State 38

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UNLV vs. Michigan: Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

Preview of UNLV vs. Michigan.

UNLV vs. Michigan: Preview, How To Watch, Odds, Prediction

Biggest Test of the Season for the Rebels

Contact/Follow @michaelbraydaly & @MWCwire

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Preview of Saturday’s massive game

Week 2: UNLV at Michigan

Where: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI

When: 1:30 P.M. MT

TV: CBS

Streaming: Get a free trial with FuboTV

Radio: ESPN 1110 AM & 100.9 FM

Websites: UNLV | Michigan

Odds: Michigan (-36.5)

UNLV will face a Michigan roster that will be without head coach Jim Harbaugh for the second consecutive week. Harbaugh is currently serving a three-game suspension. In his place, special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh and running backs coach Mike Hart will split interim head coaching duties against UNLV.

Michigan enters this game coming off a 30-3 win over East Carolina in Week 1. Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy passed for three touchdowns and 280 yards against the Pirates.

For Week 2, UNLV’s defense will be tasked with slowing down Michigan’s potent offense. Michigan totaled 402 yards of offense last Saturday. In UNLV’s season-opening win over Bryant, the Rebels surrendered 409 yards to the Bulldogs’ offense. Bryant scored 14 points against UNLV in a 44-14 game.

UNLV quarterback Doug Brumfield passed for 86 yards and one interception. Brumfield scored on a rushing touchdown and ran for 71 yards against Bryant. For this week’s game, UNLV will need to figure out how to produce yards in the air against a Big Ten defense.

Players To Watch:

J.J. McCarthy

As Michigan’s offense leader, J.J. McCarthy sets the tone for the Wolverines. McCarthy is a dual-threat quarterback and will force UNLV’s defense to to account for his arm and legs.

Blake Corum

Michigan’s offense is bolstered by Blake Corum’s return in 2023. Corum, who is one of the best running backs in the country, ran for 73 yards and one touchdown against East Carolina.

Keys To The Game

Take Advantage Of Harbaugh’s Absence

UNLV head coach Barry Odom will have the coaching experience edge over Harbaugh and Hart. Odom will need to figure out how to slow down Michigan’s offense. If UNLV’s new offense can score points, the game could be closer than some expect it to be.

Prediction:

UNLV will cover the 36.5-point spread. Michigan will win by double digits but the game will have competitive segments until UNLV’s talent disparity is exposed in the second half.

Final Score: Michigan 45, UNLV 23

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